Author visits Geneva

By BETHANY KRAJELIS - bkrajelis@kcchronicle.com

GENEVA - Richard C. Longworth, a former journalist, distinguished scholar and author, is coming to Geneva this week to talk about his latest book that focuses on globalism and today’s economy in Midwest America.

Longworth is scheduled to give a free presentation about his book, “Caught in the Middle: America’s Heartland in the Age of Globalism,” at 10 a.m. Friday at the Geneva History Center.

Dave Oberg, the center’s executive director, said Longworth’s visit couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Given the fact that we are all facing tough economic times, it’s quite timely,” Oberg said, adding that he enjoyed reading Longworth’s book. “It was great ... truthfully, we have been struggling with what globalism means for the Midwest and he offers a bleak assessment of the challenges and even talks about possible solutions.”

Besides being the author of this book and “Global Squeeze”, Longworth is a senior fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a distinguished visiting scholar at DePaul University, an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University, a lecturer at Columbia University and a mentor at the Harris School at the University of Chicago.

Longworth also worked as a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and United Press International for nearly two decades, during which time he reported from 75 countries and was a two time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

While the event will be hosted by the Geneva History Center, Oberg said the Geneva Learners and the new Center for Business Innovation and Development are sponsoring the event.

The new innovation and development group is made up of local residents working to keep the Tri-Cities area safe against global competition, Oberg said.

If you go ...

What: Presentation by Richard C. Longworth, scholar and author of “Caught in the Middle: America’s Heartland in the Age of Globalism”

When: 10 a.m. Friday

Where: Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St., Geneva

Free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Geneva History Center at 630-232-4951 or go to www.genevahistorycenter.org